§ Sir Hector MonroTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has determined his response to the report from the Highland regional council working party on forestry in Caithness and Sutherland; and if he will make a statement.
The report was agreed unanimously and I pay tribute to all the working party members for adopting a reasonable and reasoned approach. I think there are three significant elements in the report. First, the proposed land use strategy, which provides a policy framework for considering all land use changes including conservation and forestry. Secondly, the agreement on the scientific interest of the peatlands, arid the need to conserve the areas of highest value. Thirdly, the need to establish a viable forest industry by planting a further 40,000 hectares to secure long term employment in the area.
The proposed land use strategy is a sound basis for both safeguarding the prime peatlands and managing the change of sufficient land to create a viable forest. It is an entirely appropriate mechanism consistent with the 551W principles of our planning system. Proposals to change land use are initiated by its owners. Only when there is a public interest in the proposed change should there be any involvement with Government and statutory agencies. An indicative strategy sets out clear presumptions for or against particular uses, but leaves individual cases to be decided on their merits. By endorsing this strategy, I am providing a clear indication to private sector interests of the likely attitude of public authorities towards any proposed change in land use, and more particularly, commercial forestry, including those which come to me for ultimate decision.
As regards the specific recommendations which fall within my responsibilities, I am responding positively as follows:
(a) Forestry Recommendations 1, 2, 3, 9, 13, 14 and 16 all relate to forestry. The Forestry Commission will have due regard to these. The detailed changes in Forestry Commission procedures proposed in recommendation 16 will be examined carefully, with other agencies as appropriate.
(b) Agriculture DAFS will have due regard to the strategy in carrying out its duties and, in particular, will examine carefully any proposals which will allow tree planting on areas presently in agricultural or crofting use (recommendation 5).
(c) NCC I am happy to accept recommendation 15 that consultation with the NCC should in future take place only where tree planting is proposed on existing or potential SSSIs. I look to NCC to keep the other public agencies advised of their designation programme.
It is proper to record that the proposed strategy does not totally remove the potential for conflict between conservation and forestry. There are residual problems and concerns. I am, however, greatly heartened by the attitude of the working party members and I believe that if they work within the framework and in the spirit of the agreed report, then we can resolve particular cases in a reasonable and sensitive manner. To emphasise this I am writing today advising them of my response and encouraging them to adopt the strategy and publish their views on specific recommendations relevant to their functions and duties.
Finally, I again express my gratitude to the working party members for their efforts. I hope that they will continue to co-operate in the manner achieved during the lengthy deliberations of the working party.